MALAGA (Spain) - Portugal pulled off a massive shocker early in the FIBA EuroBasket 2025 exhibition campaign by rallying from 17 points down to upset reigning European champs Spain 76-74.
Portugal, the 56th ranked team in the world, came to Malaga and took down the world No. 5 in both teams' opening game ahead of the continental showcase, which starts on August 27.
Spain led 34-17 early in the second quarter but watched Portugal scratch their way into the game and game was tied late in the third quarter. Portugal kept coming and took the lead 72-70 on a Neemias Queta dunk.
Francisco Amarante converted two free throws with 15 seconds to go and Queeta threw down the game deciding dunk with 3.8 seconds remaining.
Top performers: Queta showed he is already up to speed for Portugal's first EuroBasket since 2011 as he finished with 15 points, 9 rebounds - 5 from the offensive glass, and 3 assists. Travante Williams added 14 points and 5 assists and Vladyslav Voytso buried 3 three-pointers in scoring 10 points.
No Spanish player scored in double figures with Xabi Lopez-Arostegui leading the way with 9 points.
Up next: Portugal will stay in Malaga and take on Spain's B team on Thursday August 7. Sergio Scariolo's Spain will be facing Czechia on the same day.
Other games
Serbia 126-89 Bosnia and Herzegovina
Serbia had no problem in their opening game as the showed their offensive firepower with a 126-89 victory at home over Bosnia and Herzegovina. The game took place behind closed doors and the Serbs took the middle two quarters 67-37.
Estonia 93-81 Israel
Estonia grabbed their first win of the preparations by beating Israel 93-81 in Latvia. Estonia took control of the game with a 27-15 third quarter. Kaspar Treier and Artur Konontsuk both had 16 points for the winners. Roman Sorkin tallied 22 points in the loss with Deni Avdija chipping in 17 points.
Spain B 80-75 Czechia
Czechia had an unfortunate first game in their preparations as they lost 80-75 in Malaga against Spain's B team. Martin Peterka top-scored for the Czechs with 15 points and Richard Balint added 10 points. Tomas Satoransky was limited to 2 points and 3 assists in 9 minutes for Czechia.
Team | Record | Win % |
|---|---|---|
Italy | 2-0 | 100% |
Lithuania | 1-0 | 100% |
France | 1-0 | 100% |
Serbia | 1-0 | 100% |
Portugal | 1-0 | 100% |
Israel | 1-1 | 50% |
Poland | 1-1 | 50% |
Estonia | 1-1 | 50% |
Spain | 0-1 | 0% |
Georgia | 0-1 | 0% |
Montenegro | 0-1 | 0% |
Czechia | 0-1 | 0% |
Iceland | 0-2 | 0% |
Bosnia and Herzegovina | 0-3 | 0% |
FIBA